Posterior tibial tencfon dysfunction with concomitant progressive flatfoot
deformity is associated with ligamentous failure along the medial arch. Med
ial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is being used alone and in combination
with other procedures, with the expectation that it contributes to maintai
ning the arch. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of ost
eotomy on reducing medial arch strain. Whole cadaver feet were subjected to
vertical loads while plantigrade. Spring ligament length was monitored usi
ng liquid metal displacement gauges. Two outcomes were examined: the length
of the ligament under one-half body weight and the change in length of the
ligament per unit of applied load. The medial displacement calcaneal osteo
tomy allowed elongation of the ligament with weightbearing, but at a shorte
r ligament length. This afforded the spring ligament protection from the le
vels of force experienced in the intact and lateral column-lengthened condi
tions.